May 27 / 15.30 Haydock

15.30

Good To Firm

Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £70887.5
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
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Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1152- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Impressive last year on first two 2yo starts, winning Group 2 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) on the second occasion; underwhelming favourite in the Group 2 Lowther (6f, good) in August and needs more than when second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5.5f, firm), but she remains very lightly raced and could have more to offer now back at a bare 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

14

(14)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Dramatised

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: K R Burke

Last season's 2yo highlight was her Group 2 Queen Mary win at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) and she reappeared with a win in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (5f, good to firm); well beaten in the King's Stand latest but she raced away from the main action; remains unexposed and not ruled out.

11/1

15th

19

(18)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Dramatised

8st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: K R Burke

All races have been on good or quicker ground and she has shown her best form over a bare 5f, when winning the Queen Mary at this meeting last summer and coming home with a rattle from Equilateral on return in a Group 2 at Haydock; raced on the favoured strip in the latter but has earned her place among the principals for this; good claims getting the allowances.

13/2

1st

14

(10)

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Dramatised

8st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: K R Burke

Impressive last year on first two 2yo starts, winning Group 2 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) on the second occasion; underwhelming favourite in the Group 2 Lowther (6f, good) in August and needs more than when second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5.5f, firm), but she remains very lightly raced and could have more to offer now back at a bare 5f.

5/1

2nd
4 (13)

20/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 87-884 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won Meydan Group 2 in February 2021 and returned from long absence with creditable fifth in last June's Group 1 King's Stand; some further solid runs in defeat since, most recently fourth of 15 in Group 3 at Meydan in March, but it seems likely he'll again find a few too good today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

13/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 96-112 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Two wins in progressive 2022 (including on fast ground) and has continued to improve this spring, kicking off with 5f handicap wins at Lingfield (AW) and Pontefract (soft) before close second in Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, soft); this front-runner could be bang there once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(9)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Live In The Dream

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Adam West

Close second to Kerdos in the Temple Stakes at Haydock (soft) on seasonal debut; lesser efforts in races won by Believing and Makarova since, last time under change of tactics (normally a front-runner); peak performance remains his win in last year's Group 1 Nunthorpe at York (good to firm).

10/1

4th

5

(9)

6th Jul 2024

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 1

13:50 Sandown

Live In The Dream

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Adam West

Front-runner who enjoyed an excellent campaign last year, the highlight his Group 1 Nunthorpe win at York (5f, good to firm); not quite at his best yet this season, but a close second in the Group 2 Temple at Haydock (5f, soft) was no disgrace and he stumbled leaving the stalls when a beaten favourite last time; tops the ratings and commands major respect.

2/1

50/1

Form: 4906-7 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Soft ground may not have been ideal in the Group 3 Palace House on reappearance and he went close in the same race last year (5f, good); of interest on that performance but he's been unable to reproduce that form subsequently (including when fifth in this 12 months ago).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(9)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:40 Yarmouth

Existent

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and posted a respectable effort at Newmarket (5f, good) last month; however, he was down the field at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago and is now just 1-46 on turf; others preferred.

20/1

14th

15

(16)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Existent

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Stuart Williams

Ended a lengthy losing run at Southwell in January and he is just 1lb higher today; solid effort at Newmarket 17 days ago when not ideally positioned; each-way claims at a track where he has run well in much better races than this one.

12/1

4th

8

(6)

14th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:35 Newmarket

Existent

8st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Stuart Williams

Close call in a Group 3 here in 2022 and deserves so much better than his very modest turf strike-rate, given how many fine races he continues to run in defeat, such as when going down narrowly to both Rosario and Regal Envoy on different 5f runs (good and good to firm) last May; some cold comfort that he won on AW in January but tough to support for the win.

10/1

11/1

Form: 12018- D

Last run: 237 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
There were a couple of blips in Group races last season but he may not have handled the track at Goodwood and very soft ground might not have suited in the Abbaye at Longchamp; enjoyed a progressive campaign otherwise, winning a Group 3 at Newbury (5f, good) in September, and this 4yo could still have more to offer for his top trainer; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

8

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Mitbaahy

9st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charles Hills

Pounced late under Jamie Spencer to snatch Curragh Group 2 (6f, good) in May 2024, but has raced only three times since, last seen finishing a respectable second in AW Listed event at Lingfield in February 2025; others carry fewer risks but he's no forlorn hope if ready to roll after 419 days off.

12/1

2nd

5

(4)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 1

14:37 Lingfield (AW)

Mitbaahy

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charles Hills

Record of 6-22 on turf includes Listed/Group wins, the most recent under a textbook Jamie Spencer ride at the Curragh (6f) last May; had wind/gelding operations since last run; major contender, provided he takes to AW and reproduces best form.

3/1

2nd

5

(4)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 1

14:37 Lingfield (AW)

Mitbaahy

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charles Hills

Record of 6-22 on turf includes Listed/Group wins, the most recent under a textbook Jamie Spencer ride at the Curragh (6f) last May; had wind/gelding operations since last run; major contender, provided he takes to AW and reproduces best form.

3/1

11/1

Form: 57-461 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Close fourth in Group 1 Sprint Cup here (6f, good to firm) in September 2021 and runner-up in Meydan Group 1 (6f, good) last March; hasn't hit the same heights since but returned to winning ways in Listed race for fillies and mares at Bath (5f, good to soft) last month and she's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(2)

7th Oct 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Happy Romance

9st 1lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Ties in with Annaf on Portland form (finished 2l fourth); faced a much stiffer task in the Foret last Sunday (midfield); successful at this level in 2020/2021 but her subsequent strike-rate is underwhelming.

11/1

4th

4

(6)

16th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Happy Romance

9st 8lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Usually aimed high and appreciated the return to Listed race when winning mares' race at Bath in April (5f, good to soft; also suited by 6f on good or quicker); can be excused her two starts since but lacks a recent run and this is her first run in a handicap.

11/1

18

(11)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Happy Romance

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Richard Hannon

fourth two years ago

40/1

6/1

Form: /1163- D BF

Last run: 258 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Unplaced favourite in Group 1 Nunthorpe (5f, good to firm) last August and also needs to produce more than when third in French Group 3 (5f, soft) last September, when last seen; however, before those she was extremely impressive in a Listed race at York (5f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo could tap back into that abundant promise following a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(7)

14th Jul 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:40 York

Royal Aclaim

9st 6lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Tate

All seven starts over 5f; made it 3-3 when very impressive in Listed race here last July; hasn't kicked on as might have been expected and while her Listed third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Ayr three weeks ago was a step back in the right direction, she needs another here.

7/1

3rd

4

(4)

24th Jun 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:34 Ayr

Royal Aclaim

9st 6lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: James Tate

Won her first three races, including a Listed contest at York (5f, good to firm) last summer; sixth of 13 when sent off favourite for the Group 1 Nunthorpe and only seventh of 13 on her return in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (5f, good to firm) last month, but was racing on the unfavoured part of the track; major chance on these terms with cheekpieces given a go.

2/1

7th

11

(5)

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Royal Aclaim

9st 3lb

J: Neil Callan

T: James Tate

Unplaced favourite in Group 1 Nunthorpe (5f, good to firm) last August and also needs to produce more than when third in French Group 3 (5f, soft) last September, when last seen; however, before those she was extremely impressive in a Listed race at York (5f, good to firm) and this very lightly raced 4yo could tap back into that abundant promise following a break.

6/1

16/1

Form: -11134 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Better than ever on AW earlier this year, with two 6f Listed wins, and transferred that improvement back to turf when fourth in the Group 2 Duke Of York (6f, good) last week; that run can be upgraded as he was denied a clear run, and there can be optimism he'll be fine back down to 5f; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

1

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 winner at Ascot (6f, soft) last October and he's versatile ground-wise; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't been at the top of his game on his four runs this year, in handicaps on the last two occasions, and he needs to turn things around in a first-time tongue-tie and reapplied cheekpieces.

14/1

13th

1

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Successful in major handicap in 2023 and a few Group races since but balance of 2026 form suggests he's unlikely to defy top weight in this field.

14/1

6th

1

(12)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Annaf

9st 12lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Ended last season with a game win in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, soft) in October; repeatedly met trouble when only seventh in Saudi Arabia (a race he'd won two years earlier) in February and things didn't really go his way again in a Listed race at Doncaster last month; has possibilities on this drop back in class and his last handicap win was off 1lb higher.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1522-9 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Having been off since last June he was below his best in the Group 3 Palace House (5f, soft) three weeks ago; however, the ground wasn't in his favour and he has leading claims on last year's peak form, when second in both this (good) and the Group 1 King's Stand (5f, good to firm); key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Twilight Calls

9st 1lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Richard Spencer

Losing run goes back nearly four years; no impact in sprint handicaps on turf at Meydan this year and makes a very belated AW debut on his return to Britain.

25/1

13

(4)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Twilight Calls

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Spencer

Something of an enigma but his ability has never been in question; hasn't managed a win since April 2022 but he ran a cracker in the Stewards' Cup, coming home in fifth but doing best of the far-side group; failed to back it up behind Northern Ticker at York four weeks ago and risky, even with Warren Fentiman taking off a useful 5lb.

16/1

8

(11)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Twilight Calls

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Richard Spencer

Competitive in Group 1s in his prime; not the force of old but his mark has dropped and he was first in the far-side group when fifth to stablemate Two Tribes in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time; a long losing sequence is a concern but he'll be very dangerous if building on Goodwood.

12/1

Form: 78-504 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Not at his very best on final few runs last season and same story this year, initially in Dubai; however, his fourth in the Group 3 Palace House (5f, soft) three weeks ago was a step back in the right direction and he could build on it now back on better ground; won C&D Listed race (good) and Sandown Group 3 (5f, good to firm) last season and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

23rd Sep 2023

Heavy

0m 5f 34y

Class 1

13:30 Newbury

Raasel

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Michael Appleby

Tough sprinter who looks better than ever this season; cracking effort to win a Haydock handicap (5f, good) a fortnight ago and he bumped into a rapid improver at Doncaster on Saturday; effective on very soft ground and should make another bold bid.

9/4

2nd

2

(1)

17th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 1

16:10 Doncaster

Raasel

9st 13lb

J: William Buick

T: Michael Appleby

Solid form in Group races this year, notably his Goodwood third, and better than ever with his mighty weight-carrying effort in a good Haydock handicap last week; stayed on strongly off a good pace on that occasion to win with something to spare (good Topspeed figure); fully effective on soft and he's the one to beat on ratings; solid contender.

11/8

1st

1

(3)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Haydock

Raasel

10st 0lb

J: James Doyle

T: Michael Appleby

Yet to win in 2023 but not for a lack of effort, regularly acquitting himself with credit in top sprints; near his best when third in a Group 2 at Goodwood five weeks ago and that form looks rock solid; going back up 6lb does leave him with something to find on this year's handicap runs though.

7/1

11th
3 (1)

20/1

Form: 0213-0 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Career-best handicap form last autumn, including easy C&D win (good to soft); pulled hard when down the field on reappearance in Group 3 Palace House (5f, soft) and the first-time hood could help him settle; seems versatile ground-wise and further improvement is possible, but necessary in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 34-450 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Has popped up with the odd big run in 5f Group 1s, such as when third at 200-1 in last June's King's Stand; good Listed fourth at Meydan in January but not at the same level in Dubai the next twice and he's been beaten on his last 18 starts going back to August 2020; others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(8)

31st Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 4

14:47 Lingfield (AW)

Acklam Express

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Clive Cox

Ended losing run at Salisbury in June and he has not run badly on his last three AW starts, third of eight at Southwell 11 days ago (cheekpieces first time, retained); has done the bulk of his racing over 5f but the best effort of his career came when a close third in a Meydan Group 1 over this trip; contender.

6/1

8th

1

(8)

31st Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 4

14:47 Lingfield (AW)

Acklam Express

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Clive Cox

taken down early

6/1

3rd

6

(4)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

12:32 Southwell (AW)

Acklam Express

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Clive Cox

in touch with leaders, headway over 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong, no extra inside final 110yds

8/1

Form: 12210- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed excellent 2yo campaign, including in Group 1s when receiving lots of weight from older horses, finishing second in the Nunthorpe (5f, good to firm) and winning the Abbaye (5f, very soft); can be excused Breeders' Cup flop; sold out of Richard Fahey's yard for 1,200,000gns in November; carries 5lb penalty on return but this front-runner has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

(7)

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

The Platinum Queen

9st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Enjoyed excellent 2yo campaign, including in Group 1s when receiving lots of weight from older horses, finishing second in the Nunthorpe (5f, good to firm) and winning the Abbaye (5f, very soft); can be excused Breeders' Cup flop; sold out of Richard Fahey's yard for 1,200,000gns in November; carries 5lb penalty on return but this front-runner has to be respected.

7/2

2nd

7

(7)

11th Sep 2022

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 1

13:35 Doncaster

The Platinum Queen

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

led, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, faced challenge inside final 110yds, kept on well but headed post

6/4

Form: 1135-8 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won three handicaps last season (including over C&D); respectable midfield finish in the Group 3 Palace House (5f, soft) on reappearance and open to further improvement, but has plenty to find here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(12)

27th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Sandbeck

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 4yo who won three handicaps last season (including over C&D); respectable midfield finish in the Group 3 Palace House (5f, soft) on reappearance and open to further improvement, but has plenty to find here.

100/1

8th

16

(4)

6th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:00 Newmarket

Sandbeck

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Edward Bethell

Won first three 5f handicaps (all on good) as a 3yo but she wasn't obviously ahead of her mark on final two starts, meaning she faces a particularly tough reappearance at the weights; first-time cheekpieces.

40/1

5th

17

(18)

16th Sep 2022

Good To Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 1

15:10 Ayr

Sandbeck

9st 0lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Edward Bethell

midfield, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong

12/1

Non-runners

Sandbeck

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £77.90
Straight Forecast £89.73
Tricast £429.15
Trifecta £835.30

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Twilight Calls

TOPSPEED:

Dramatised

NEWMARKET:

Royal Aclaim

POSTDATA:

Happy Romance

Daily Record:

The Platinum Queen

SPOTLIGHT:

Annaf

Daily Mirror:

Live In The Dream

The Guardian:

Dramatised

The Star:

Dramatised

The Times:

Royal Aclaim

Telegraph:

Royal Aclaim

D Express:

Happy Romance

LAMBOURN:

Twilight Calls

Daily Mail:

Twilight Calls

The Sun:

Twilight Calls